Woman allergic to sunlight in rare condition
Andrea Ivonne Monroy has xeroderma pigmentosum (Picture: Caters News)

Andrea Ivonne Monroy spends all day indoors, with tinted windows to protect her from sunlight.

The 28-year-old lives with a rare condition called xeroderma pigmentosum.

Despite doing everything she can to protect herself, the condition has already caused her to develop skin cancer 28 times and she says it has forced her into menopause iat 23.

The blogger from California, US, said: ‘It has taken me a long time but I have accepted who I am.

‘I’ve embraced my condition and I no longer feel like I am missing out.

‘My condition means my body grows older faster and I believe that’s why I started to have hot flushes at 23.

‘I felt relieved when I got the diagnosis four years later as it put my mind at ease.

She must wear protective clothing and a face shield to protect herself from the UV rays
She must wear protective clothing and a face shield to protect herself from the UV rays (Picture: Caters News)

‘I’ve never had a desire to become a mum so it doesn’t really affect me.’

She usually only goes out at night but is sometimes forced to go outside to medical appointments.

She said: ‘I can only go out during the night and I have to carry a solar metre at all times to check the UV everywhere I go.

‘I only ever go out in the day if I have a doctors appointment and I must wear protective clothing.

‘Even if it is cloudy or raining, I have to wear long sleeves, hats and a face shield.

‘It can sometimes get me down and I have the odd meltdown but I know I am doing the best I can.

Andrea is only able to go outside at night
Andrea is only able to go outside at night (Picture: Caters News)

‘And the condition is something I can’t control.’

Andrea has had multiple surgeries to remove skin cancer during her life, and her most recent diagnosis was in October 2020.

She said: ‘It wasn’t the first time I have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma cancer.

‘I have also had melanoma and many pre-cancerous cells.

‘It is heartbreaking as I do my very best to protect my skin.

‘I even have tinted windows and super thick curtains.

‘It is hard having my condition and sometimes I feel like I can’t do it anymore but I love my life and want to be here.

‘I am grateful that I’m here and alive.’

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